Solid plastic fence posts

ABSTRACT

A new and improved fence post which is formed from solid plastic material and requires no assembly or extra components. The post member has predrilled holes which extend completely through the post. Small pieces of wire are inserted through these holes and attach the fencing to the plastic post. This invention obviates the need for costly parts, affords the strength and endurance needed to maintain livestock, and is designed to meet the specific needs of the farmer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Recent developments into the use of PVC compounds in manufacturing fence components has increased due to the strength and durability of plastic materials. Fence posts and plastic rails can be easily manufactured and can enhance the beauty of homes or fields when they are fabricated to simulate the appearance of wood. They are virtally imperishable, relatively maintenance free, and are not subject to deterioration from weather and insects.

[0002] Problems arise because the typical plastic posts may result in costly installations when extra components are needed for the purpose of capping, bracing, or filling said posts. Fences connected to hollow posts, tend to be unstable due to extra connections and weakness of the hollow material, and labor costs may be more expensive when posts must be assembled or filled with sawdust or concrete. Problems may occur when instructions are long and complicated, when parts are too numerous, and when labor is unavailable.

[0003] Typical prior plastic fences are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,124,198; 4,540,160; 4,602,765; 4,702,459; 5,161,783; and 5,660,376. These inventions are not easily adaptable to meet the requirements of farm fencing because they consist of hollow plastic and need assembly. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,540,160; 5,492,307; and 5,735,310 address the invention of privacy fencing with the members formed from hollow plastic. U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,376 claims a cap and mounting system that includes hollow plastic posts for use with a picket fence, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,431 addresses a post assembly that includes a hollow post which is secured to a stake that is connected to the ground.

[0004] Research has failed to disclose evidence of the invention of a solid plastic post or of a post which requires no assembly or additional components. The present invention is concerned with a solid plastic post which consists of predrilled holes for tie wires and has the extra strength and weight needed to maintain livestock. The positioning of the holes affords various choices in the type of fence used and of the different fence spacing made available for use by the farmer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is the principal objective of the present invention to present a solid plastic post that is more durable, stronger, and less complicated to install than previous fencing systems. The solid plastic post is designed for use by the farmer and can be set, extracted, and attached to various types of fencing and needs no extra components or supports.

[0006] The solid plastic posts have all the advantages of other posts; however, they should never need replacing. They require less labor for installation, are virtually maintenance free, and exceed performance of posts made of hollow material. Although there may be a greater initial investment in the cost of a solid plastic post, the advantages of a permanent fence post that needs no future replacement would be more practical and desirable.

[0007] An objective of the present invention is to provide a plastic post which is simple to manufacture and reduces labor costs associated therewith. It can be constructed of readily available materials and has no complicated parts that must be manufactured. The solid plastic post consists of a rigid material and requires no assembly. Predrilled holes afford the method for fence attachment and the post may be fabricated in various colors and diameters. Tie wires of various texture and strength are used to connect fencing to the post. The outside texture of the post may be smooth or embedded; simulating a wooden appearance. It is important that posts are set at an exact depth to assure strength and uniformity and tie wires must be flexible.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide a post which can receive different types of fencing and allows for ground contour conditions. The solid plastic posts will accommodate barbed wire, field fence, and electrical conduit.

[0009] A further objective is to provide a plastic post that can be utilized for numerous uses in the construction of a fence. The solid plastic post can be used as a line post, a corner post, a brace post, or a gate post.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a solid fence post that does not require wooden components. The inventors hope to promote conservation by helping to eliminate the harvesting of forests and by the use of recycled plastic in the manufacture of said posts.

[0011] A further objective is to provide a plastic post that will not retain moisture. Any water that collects in the predrilled holes will either run out or evaporate.

[0012] Another objective is to provide a post that will not detract from the natural beauty of the environment and one that will not harm livestock. The solid plastic post can be manufactured and stained to resemble wood and will not splinter or crack.

[0013] It is thus seen that we have provided by our invention an improved and stronger plastic fence post that requires no assembly and is more suitable for livestock enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The solid plastic post which is detailed in FIG. 1 can serve as a corner post, a brace post, or a gate post. Predrilled holes are spaced 6 inches apart and are connected to fencing by means of “tie wires.” The larger hole accommodates the horizontal brace post FIG. 3. The line posts are slightly smaller than the brace posts. All posts are constructed of solid plastic with predrilled holes. No other components are needed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 a totally new approach to a plastic post which is manufactured from rigid plastic with predrilled holes. The post can serve as a corner post, a brace post, or a gate post. It is 9 ft. long and 9 inches in diameter. The side-view of the post reveals 11 holes which are ¾ inches in diameter. They are spaced 6 inches apart; starting approx. 3½ ft. from the base, and they completely penetrate the post. (The exception to complete penetration is the fifth hole from the top—that is 4¼ inches in diameter and 1 inch deep—which will accommodate the 4 inch diameter horizontal brace post.)

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2 the post serves as a line post which has 11 holes (beginning 2½ ft. from base) which are ½ inch in diameter. Each predrilled hole is spaced 6 inches apart and completely penetrates the post. The line post is 8 ft. in length and 6 inches in diameter. Set the post 2½ ft. deep.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 3 a horizontal brace post which is 6 ft. in length and 4 inches in diameter. A hole of ¾ inch diameter penetrates each end (3 inches from the end) for the insertion of a brace wire, and the post can be positioned as needed.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 4 the corner posts, or brace posts, are set at a depth of 3 ft., 5 inches for maximum support. All posts are set with the predrilled holes running parallel to the fencing. It is extremely important to set all posts at the correct depth to ensure uniformity of posts and fencing. This may be accomplished by using a plumb line or a measuring stick. A simpler method would be to ensure that the bottom “tie hole” is slightly above ground level. Holes can be tamped with dirt or gravel, and concrete affords an excellent base for a post. Although a square fence post may be manufactured, the round post can be more easily set in a round post hole and simulates the appearance of wood. The corner post la is set approximately 6 ft. from post 1 b. Insert the horizontal brace post 3 into the 4¼ inch grooves, thread the wire 4 through holes, then wrap it around the larger post and tighten. Attach the ends of double wires 9 through the second tie hole in post 1 a and wrap completely around said fence post before tying. Insert the other end of the double wires through the tie hole near the bottom of post 1 b and stretch tightly as you wrap around the post and twist to tie. If a second brace wire is desired, thread a double wire through the second hole near the top of post 1 b and wrap around the larger post. Crisscross the first brace wire, insert the wire through a bottom hole, stretch, and twist around the corner post. Insert an 18 inch bar 13 at the intersections of the brace wires and twist to tighten; twisting toward the outside. Rest the bar 13 against the horizontal brace post 3.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 5 the gate posts that can be utilized as brace posts 1 a and 1 b. Gate arms 6 are threaded through predrilled holes and tightened by washers and nuts 6. Gates may be fastened by a chain 8 or by a bolt 7 which inserts into a hollow pipe that has been welded onto the gate. Braces are set on both sides of a gate.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 6, an outside view of the line posts 2, which are shown above ground level. Brace posts (FIG. 4) are set approximately 200 feet apart and line posts are set 12 feet apart. Line posts are set at a depth of 2 ft. 5 inches below the ground with the bottom tie hole slightly above the ground 14. Barbed wire 10, field fence 11, or electric fencing 12 can be attached to line posts by inserting a desired length of wire 4 completely through the tie holes and catching either barbs or interlocking field fence. Electric fencing travels through predrilled spaces. Turn ends of all wire toward the outside of fence to avoid injury to livestock.

[0021] It is important to note that the solid plastic post may be manufactured with slits to accommodate plastic or wooden planks. A small wedge can also be manufactured to be used in tightening the plank within a post. The solid plastic post can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes and would be more durable than present posts that brace highway guardrails. The plastic post could also be used for electrical security poles because plastic does not conduct electrical current and would prove to be safer. 

We claim by our invention:
 1. A solid plastic fence post that has not been made available in previous inventions.
 2. A solid plastic fence post that requires no additional components or assembly.
 3. A fence post that is stronger and more durable because of the weight of solid plastic.
 4. A solid plastic post which features predrilled holes for the purpose of fence connection.
 5. A solid plastic post that can receive different types of fencing.
 6. A solid plastic post that will serve multiple purposes.
 7. A solid plastic post that can be easily set, extracted, and remain virtually unharmed; allowing for reuse of said post.
 8. A solid plastic post that is less complicated than previous inventions.
 9. A solid plastic post that connects to fencing by means of “tie wires.”
 10. A solid plastic post that addresses the specific needs in regard to livestock containment.
 11. A plastic post that will be less susceptible to weather deterioration; having no internal cavity.
 12. A solid plastic fence post that is easier to manufacture and that has greater manufacturing possibilities. 